Manchester-headquartered Customs Connect has launched a digital business to transform the way UK importers use technology.

Customs Connect Digital Solutions has launched first of its kind technology to support businesses involved in UK import as they navigate Brexit and beyond. Its new platform, C3, uses Big Data and AI to provide businesses with real-time visibility of their customs duty costs as they get to grips with the most significant overhaul of UK customs procedures in more than 40 years.

Gavin Tucker, Director at Customs Connect Digital Solutions, said: “At Customs Connect we were always being asked how and why businesses can and should monitor their import footprint.  There wasn’t a readily available solution in the market so we have invested and and developed a solution to satisfy this need with C3. This is just the first product from our associate business Customs Connect Digital Solutions.

“Clarity will be more crucial than ever in coming months in allowing businesses to act fast to solve issues and capitalise on opportunities, increasing the chances of navigating the challenges ahead with minimal upheaval and downward pressure on profit. But above all certainty brings confidence – confidence to press ahead with growth and confidence to explore the world beyond the European Union.”

Manchester-based design agency BGN has bolstered its offering with two new appointments to their growing team.

The agency, which is approaching the end of its second year in business, is already carving out a reputation for itself for its brand-led approach to business – maximizing the potential of businesses through effective design, executed across all platforms.

The new hires were strategically chosen to further differentiate the agency from its competitors by strengthening the teams offering in terms of skills, experience and business-minded approach.

Laura Coull has joined the Manchester-based team as brand planner, having worked previously at Amplifon and Unilever as a global communications manager.

Gary Ratcliffe has also joined BGN’s development team to bolster the agency’s in-house development capability. Previously, Gary worked at E-Jigsaw as senior web developer and has more than seven years’ experience developing and delivering bespoke websites.

The appointments come after an exciting start to the second year for the BGN team as they also take larger office space within Bruntwood’s flagship NEO building.

Antonio Giansante, operations director at BGN, said both new team members had proven that they understood business from a client’s perspective and were passionate about the impact that branding can have.

Antonio, who founded BGN in April 2017 added: “After what’s been a hugely successful first year and a half in business, we’re pleased to welcome Laura and Gary to the growing team here at BGN.

“Gary has joined our development team, while Laura brings a wealth of client-side experience and understands business needs from a client perspective.

“Strategy and insight are the cornerstone of effective design and having someone like Laura to come in and manage the delivery of the brand and marketing strategies we put in place is invaluable for us and our clients.

“We believe in using brand to help businesses grow and as a tool to solve the problems they face. We are now better placed than ever to do just that.”

Laura added: “Joining BGN is an exciting opportunity for me.

“They are a young growing agency working on a real growth trajectory and have some really exciting projects with some great brands in a variety of sectors.

“There was real synergy when I met the team in terms of our brand-led approach to design and passion in making design effective for business.

“I am really looking forward to working with the BGN team and look forward to playing my part in both delivering their growth strategy and doing an exceptional job for our clients.”

A team of business experts has launched a programme of events aimed at company owners planning to exit during the next decade.

2020’s Vision, will feature specialists from a range of sectors including legal, accountancy, brokerage and marketing, all sharing insight and case studies on maximising the value of a business ahead of a sale.

Their insight will reveal how correct preparation ahead of selling a business can increase the final value by up to 71%.

The monthly half-day events will take place at The Mere, Cheshire, with each one covering specific value drivers such as company culture, exit options, timescales, and minimising tax.

Business Broker Paul Dodgshon, a specialist adviser on exit strategies, said: “The 2020’s Vision programme has been designed for business owners with an endgame in mind and for entrepreneurs serious about building a scalable business that will deliver their ‘number’ on exit.

“We’re going to meet monthly, throughout 2019, examining in detail the components of a valuable business. Our impressive list of speakers will drill deep into the core value-drivers that all serious business owners should focus on.

“At each session, our Visionaries will network and share ideas with others looking to build value for their exit.”

A team of 13 speakers are lined up for the events which will take place between February and November 2019.

Topics will include Competitive Positioning, Recurring Revenue, Financial Performance, reducing Risk, Improving Systems and Protecting Assets and Family.

Paul added: “We want to help the business owner or entrepreneur who plan to exit their business in the 2020s.

“By beginning to plan for that exit now, they will be able to significantly increase the value of the business when it comes to the sale.”